Savannah Schools Partner with BluWorkz to Train Students with VR Forklift Simulators, Preparing Them for High-Demand Warehouse Careers

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Collaborates with BluWorkz to Bridge Workforce Gap in Warehouse Operations

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) has teamed up with BluWorkz, a leader in virtual reality (VR) workforce development, to equip students at Groves High School with cutting-edge training tools. The collaboration aims to prepare students for successful careers in the warehouse and logistics industries by using the REAL-Forklift™ Virtual Reality Simulator, an innovative VR technology that provides hands-on forklift operation experience.

Addressing the High Demand for Forklift Operators in Savannah

Savannah, home to the third-largest port in the United States, is experiencing significant growth in warehouse development, which has created a surge in demand for skilled forklift operators. To address this need, SCCPSS is offering students at Groves High School an opportunity to gain certification and relevant experience before they graduate.

“We are creating a vast majority of different pathways, heavy equipment operation being one of them,” said Dr. Gina Smith, who oversees work-based learning programs at Groves High School. “We teach soft skills—like communication and punctuality—alongside hard skills like operating a forklift. We are preparing our students for a career, not just a job.”

Innovative Training for Real-World Readiness

The REAL-Forklift™ simulator provides students with hands-on, zero-risk training, allowing them to develop essential skills like operating a forklift, building muscle memory, and improving confidence. The technology offers real-time feedback, helping students self-correct unsafe behaviors and reinforce proper techniques. Furthermore, performance data generated by the simulator can be used by employers to assess job readiness.

Peter Chronopoulos, Co-Founder of BluWorkz, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Our technology helps provide an untapped labor pool to local industries. We are proud to partner with SCCPSS to help their graduates get forklift certified and into good paying, high-demand jobs.”

The Impact of Virtual Reality Training on Workforce Development

As workforce development programs nationwide turn to career and technical education (CTE), BluWorkz’s innovative VR training is proving to be a game-changer. The company’s VR forklift simulator technology has already been adopted by multiple schools and companies, showing impressive results. Early adopters have seen a 10–18% drop in warehouse incidents, contributing to reduced injuries, insurance costs, and product damage.

A Step Towards Solving Labor Shortages

The SCCPSS-BluWorkz partnership highlights the growing importance of equipping students with job-ready skills, providing a vital solution to labor shortages faced by industries. With a hands-on, career-oriented approach, this initiative aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to step into high-demand jobs in the region’s booming logistics sector.

As industries across the U.S. continue to face labor challenges, this partnership stands as a model for other regions looking to build a stronger, more skilled workforce.

For more information, visit BluWorkz's Website and Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.